Leering - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Leering means staring in an unpleasant, sly, or suggestive way, often with lustful or malicious intent. It conveys a sense of creepiness or disrespect through prolonged, intrusive eye contact.
Definition:
Looking or gazing in an unpleasant, sly, or suggestive way.
Synonyms:
ogling, staring, sneering, smirking
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (present participle)
Antonyms:
ignoring, averting
Common Collocations:
leering grin, leering look, leering man
Derivatives:
leer (noun), leer (verb)
Usage Tips:
Use "leering" to describe an unwelcome or creepy stare, often implying malice or lust.
Common Phrases:
leering at someone, give a leering smile, stop leering
Etymology:
From Old English *hlēorian*, meaning "to look askance or sideways."
Examples:
- 1. The man kept leering at her across the bar.
- 2. She felt uncomfortable under his leering gaze.
- 3. His leering smile made everyone uneasy.
- 4. Stop leering at people; it’s rude!